Poppy is such a nice little dog and has a very willing and enthusiastic nature. Many dogs can lose concentration easily, but Poppy can remain focused for long periods of time which helps her progress in her training easier.
Poppy lives at home with David, her Guide Dog Mobility Trainer and they carry out two training sessions a day. In the morning they practice guiding work in busier places such as supermarkets, which can be a challenging environment. Poppy’s learning to move left and right around people in the aisles and navigate the narrow gaps between trolleys. Then David and Poppy relax together over lunch and practice obedience skills at home in the afternoon.
One of Poppy’s favourite places to visit is a local country park where she loves to let off some steam by running fast around the forest.
David has been developing Poppy’s skills that will be invaluable to her future owner. He's teaching her to be aware of moving vehicles and to stop if one approaches so that she will be able to signal to her owner when a road is not safe to cross.
It has been incredible to see Poppy apply her guiding skills to real life situations, such as when a bin or parked car blocks a pavement. Poppy has learnt to guide me away from the pavement, navigate around the obstacle and move us back onto the pavement safely. These situations will be a daily challenge for her future owner and so it’s crucial she masters these skills to become a qualified guide dog.
Poppy loves having a job to do and so she would suit someone with an active lifestyle who can make the most of her brilliant skills. She would be perfect for someone who goes out to work and needs a guide to get them there every day.
Look out for our next Pupdate in February when Poppy will meet her new owner!
